University of Pittsburgh School of Law 2013 Energy Law & Policy Institute

The U.S. energy portfolio is changing, with a rapid move toward domestic unconventional fossil fuels, recent growth in nuclear energy, and continued expansion of renewable generation. This evolution is not only driving growth of our physical energy infrastructure—markets, law, and policy are also adjusting to fit this new energy picture.

Join Pitt Law for this Institute and be a part of the conversation surrounding cutting-edge issues in these areas, exploring the tools that will be needed to most effectively address energy-based changes in Pennsylvania, nationally, and globally.

The cost of this event is $225 for one day or $450 for both days. Checks may be made payable to the University of Pittsburgh may be sent to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, c/o the Energy Law and Policy Institute, 3900 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

This Institute is being generously supported by the following organizations - and additional sponsors will be added shortly:

Note: Speaker's presentation materials can be downloaded by clicking on their name and title.

Opening Remarks

8:15-8:30

Dean William M. Carter, Jr., University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Day 1: New Energy Generation

The U.S. energy economy is rapidly changing, with a rise in unconventional oil and gas production and potential exports; recent permitting of new nuclear reactors; continued growth in renewable energy; and challenges associated with an aging electrical grid and the need to expand energy markets and infrastructure to accommodate new participants.

Risk assessment in nuclear energy and other centralized generation projects is a complex task, which requires careful assessment of regulatory uncertainty; litigation; and supply chain and transportation logistics, among other factors.

Tax incentives and creative financial structures have been central to the recent growth of certain centralized generation projects. These include, among others, real estate investment trusts, master limited partnerships, and the production tax credit for renewable energy.

Natural gas in baseload generation and the impact of shale gas on electricity markets

12:30-1:45

Lower natural gas prices and new environmental regulations have caused many utilities to switch from coal to gas-fired generation. The factors driving this change; the legal and business issues associated with the coal to gas switch; and the impact of expanding natural gas generation on electricity markets are core issues in modern energy law and policy.

An aging electrical grid and the construction of new generation—particularly renewable generation far from population centers—necessitates the expansion of transmission lines and construction of new ones, leading to siting and planning challenges and cost allocation issues, among others.

Day 2: Changing Energy Markets and Regulations

FERC has recently expanded the ability of demand response resources (“virtual generators”) to participate in wholesale energy markets, and some states and utilities have challenged the rule. Recent EPA limits on diesel generation have also affected demand response providers, which often rely on diesel as a back-up resource.

9:15-9:30

Questions

Speakers:

Moderator: Glenn A. W. Thompson, Of Counsel, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

Allen Freifeld, Senior Vice President of Law and Public Policy, Viridity Energy

The computerization of the electricity grid and consumer interactions with the grid will have several important impacts, including expanding opportunities for interconnection of distributed generation with the grid and consumer power over the timing and quantity of electricity use through smart metering and other mechanisms.

10:00-10:15

Questions

Speakers:

Moderator: Hannah Wiseman, Assistant Professor, Florida State University College of Law

As shale gas and oil development has expanded, so, too, have industry practices and environmental regulation, with changes at the federal, state, and local levels; wastewater reuse and financial assurance issues have been at the forefront of some of these changes.

12:15-12:30

Questions

Speakers:

Moderator: Emily Collins, Clinical Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Each facet of the industry energy faces similar land use issues, but some land use issues are unique to each facet. The similarities and differences in land use and title issues are myriad and developing in the region.